The City of Independence has announced a change to its beautification efforts with regard to its free weekend dumpster access program. Effective today (April 14), Independence residents may drop off their junk and large debris at the City Sanitation Yard, 21st & Maple, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week, through May 22.
David Cowan, the city’s director of Safety and Code Enforcement, explained that dumpsters will no longer be placed in community neighborhoods each spring weekend as originally planned.
“This new arrangement will allow our citizens access to disposal services at their convenience,” Cowan said. “It also will prevent the unsightly overflow of trash and debris in our neighborhoods and eliminate unsafe ‘dumpster diving’ activity.”
City staff will be on hand at the sanitation yard during open hours to supervise drop-offs and provide guidance, Cowan said. Items accepted for disposal include large junk and debris items, appliances, furniture, construction materials, etc. Automobile tires are accepted, but no tractor or implement tire are allowed. Additionally, the city cannot accept household hazardous waste, such as paint, motor oil or chemical solvents, and household trash is not allowed.
Cowan explained the disposal service is for Independence residents within the city limits and city residential sanitation customers only, not commercial businesses or contractors. He also noted that the sanitation yard is fenced and camera-monitored for security purposes.